While there are many different reasons to renovate your kitchen, the factors that affect costs tend to be the same. Things like changes to square footage, what finishes you choose, or whether the cabinets are included in the renovation will affect the cost. When it comes down to it, the whole process and price tag can feel overwhelming. With the right information, doesn’t have to.
With this handy guide and cost breakdown of kitchen renovations in Edmonton, you can get the right price for your budget. While there is typically an average cost, you can add more elements or save some changer for later to tailor that final price range.
Some budget tips and breakdown
Under-budgeting invites just as much risk as not budgeting at all. To start, are you renovating to sell or to update for yourself? If the renovation is personal, a good range is to spend upwards of 25% of your house’s cost, according to the Appraisal Institute of Canada. Over the years that you stay and enjoy the space, it’ll add major value and boost future resale. If you plan to sell, then narrow down the cost to 10% to 15% of your home’s value. Keep in mind that those numbers are a general rule of thumb and may be affected by where you live.
Edmonton kitchen renovates average around $45,000, but that cost will vary depending on the scale. Mid-range or partial renovations cost between $30,000 to $50,000. Mid-sized kitchens can go up to $50,000 to $90,000. Larger kitchens or renovations with a luxury focus and materials can go from $90,000 upwards to $250,000.
Cost breakdown
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, kitchen renovations in North America can be further broken down as follows:
Cabinets and hardware: 29% ($8,704)
*Installation: 17% ($5,102)
Appliances and ventilation: 14% ($4,201)
Countertops: 10% ($3,001)
*Installation includes things like appliances, cabinets, countertops, sinks, flooring, or backsplash.
These percentages cover the bulk of the cost of a kitchen renovation in Edmonton. At the same time, lower is associated with floors (7%), walls and ceilings (5%), doors and windows (4%), and faucets and plumbing (4%).
Another great rule of thumb is to add on a contingency plan in case of emergencies or unexpected repairs. In general, an additional 5% to 10% of the budget should cover most unforeseen costs.
If your kitchen renovations in Edmonton have an eco-friendly focus, there are some rebate options. Energy-efficient homes are more than just a current trend; they are becoming a popular way of life. You save more money yearly and have a smaller carbon footprint at the same time. In Edmonton, the rebates can help offset the cost of a major kitchen renovation. If you want new ENERGY STAR appliances and windows, then a rebate can help get those. Take a look at the City of Edmonton website to see what you may qualify for.
Factors that will affect the final cost
No matter the home or kitchen, some common factors will affect the overall cost of a kitchen renovation in Edmonton. Breaking down a major renovation into different stages can help ease the stress of a single major overhaul. It also helps further breakdown the cost, so you can plan how much or little to do at once.
Size of the room
This relates to the current size of the kitchen and whether you have plans to change the layout. A renovation in a larger kitchen will require more labour and materials to renovate. Smaller kitchens will similarly need less labour and materials. If a wall is being knocked out, the renovations will need more labour and likely mean more materials to fill the new space.
The following numbers are based on Canadian contractor estimates:
Small kitchen average cost (<70 square feet): $6,500 – $26,000
Medium kitchen average cost (100-150 square feet): $19,500 – $52,000
Large kitchen average cost (200+ square feet): $40,000 – $78,000
Size can also include enhancing or improving on what is available. In Edmonton, for example, adding a kitchen island or expanding and adding a breakfast nook are popular additions. As the heart of most homes, turning the kitchen into an inclusive family space will appeal to many.
The scale of work involved
Before settling on a full or partial renovation, stop to think about what your kitchen needs. Full renovations include major work like tearing out old cabinets, gutting the kitchen, and maybe expanding the space. The idea is a top-to-bottom overhaul for a completely new kitchen.
Partial renovations are the least expensive option and focus on specific changes. These include things like new appliances and more efficient cabinets or just new flooring and countertops. Edmonton kitchens with an eco-friendly focus are a great way to save money or attract future buyers. Only the parts of the kitchen that need changing are renovated. If your budget doesn’t allow for a full renovation, then partial renovations can still be visually and cost-effective. Kitchen renovations in Edmonton can focus on visual changes and improvements over complete overhauls. Just changing a few details, like new sinks or flooring, can go a long way.
Types of materials and fixtures
Once the planning and layout plans are settled, the final part of a renovation is the actual materials. As mentioned before, cabinets and countertops can both easily tip a budget depending on the material. Custom cabinets are a luxury and worthwhile additional, but they also come with a much higher price tag. While marble countertops are popularly considered in kitchens, granite or quartz are a little more affordable and just as suitable. Unless a high-end material is worth the cost, you can still get the luxury look without the luxury cost.
Fixtures and faucets are worth the extra cost to ensure a quality new addition. While it’s tempting to cut costs on cheaper alternatives, it won’t pay off long term. Quality fixtures will last for years, so invest now to save later.
Who do you need to hire for your renovation?
Hiring a professional to help isn’t so much of a ‘should you do it’ question and is more of a recommendation. Despite the temptation to DIY, a professional has the skills and experience you need. They’ll ensure every penny put into the renovation serves to boost your home’s value and makes it a worthwhile, long-term investment. If your renovation is to sell, buyers will definitely notice and value a professional’s work over DIY work.
What that in mind, who exactly should you hire to help with a kitchen renovation in Edmonton? Is a handyman enough, or do you need a certified general contractor for the job? What roles do an interior designer or architect play? Depending on the scope of your renovation, different hired help can be necessary or just an extra benefit.
General Contractor
Contractors specialize in a field of work and have certification and training to qualify their experience. General contractors may specialize in multiple fields of work, like various renovation projects and home improvement. A general contractor will also be in charge of a team of subcontractors and tradespeople that will work on the kitchen renovation.
A key benefit of a general contractor is that they act as the project manager for the entire renovation. In that, they manage the team, oversee the work, and take care of handling and applying for any necessary permits. They’ll also be your point of contact during the process, which can help take away a lot of the stress.
A contractor can also be hired for similar handyman services like installation services or helping with small remodels. For example, you might hire a contractor specifically to install new plumbing fixtures or a new floor. You will also sign a contract with a contractor, so you get insurance coverage and guarantees for the job. With a contractor, you get their expertise in design ideas, construction, work, management, and more. All in all, it makes their service worth the cost.
Cost
General contractor prices vary much more than a handyman as they act as project overseers. Their service fees include handling permits, hiring trade workers, supervising those workers, and working with the homeowner.
Average charge: Canadian general contractors estimate the average charge for their services is 10 to 20% of your total project cost
Handyman
Hiring a handyman can save costs, but it comes down to the project in question. Most handymen are hired for jobs or projects that homeowners don’t have the time to handle themselves. Small projects like paint touch up, drywall repair, or installing new appliances or bigger ones like flooring installation and small renovations.
Before hiring a handyman, find out what their skill sets are and how much the work will cost. In the case of a kitchen renovation, the scale of work involved may not be suited to a handyman. Kitchen renovations will take a long time to complete and that could spike the cost of hiring a handyman.
Cost
Handymen either charge by hour by charge a flat fee depending on the project. Things like installing a new sink or faucet may be a set price, compared to doing a small home repair, which could be hourly. It’ll also depend on if the handyman you hire is an independent worker or if they are part of a company. More specific services like plumbing or electrical may also cost more for a handyman with those specific skills.
These prices are based on Canadian handyman service estimates:
Set job prices
Small job average (1-2 hours): $100 – $200
Medium job average (2-4 hours): $200 – $400
Large job average (4+ hours – days): $400+
Keep in mind that these figures are general averages across Canada. Within specific cities, these figures can change, depending on the handyman or company. Edmonton handymen have all the tools and materials needed to handle any home improvement. Larger projects may require the homeowner to buy the materials, which is an added cost for kitchen renovations in Edmonton.
Based on handyman service estimate costs in Edmonton:
Average cost: $315
Lowest range: $165
Highest range: $600
Architect or designer
Architects and kitchen designers generally work in the same way by planning and designing your kitchen. The difference is how they go about that work and what renovation plans you have in mind.
An architect
For layout changes, like moving walls or changing floor plans, work with an architect. They will know which wall is load-bearing, what layout is the best for the space, or help with long-term kitchen use goals. An architect deals with the physical structure of the home and turns those ideas into blueprint drawings. Generally, an architect will work with a contractor to create the plans and then have the contractor implement those designs. If you plan to work with an architect and designer, the architect comes first with kitchen renovations in Edmonton.
Generally, full-service renovation companies will also include these services and include the cost in an estimate. If you hire a separate architect, some Edmonton companies may require that you bring in the drawings beforehand.
A kitchen interior designer
A kitchen designer helps with the space’s visual aesthetics, layout, and design. They’ll help choose countertops, backsplash, flooring, new paint colours, light fixtures, and more. Their goal is to reflect your style while improving the overall function. Visual flow and physical flow in a kitchen are both just as important, making hiring an interior designer, or a renovation company with in-house design services, a smart choice.
Any Edmonton kitchen will benefit from the eye of a kitchen designer, especially with a full renovation. Whether a high-end renovation or turning a dream idea into reality, a designer can help. They’ll ensure there are fewer last-minute changes and less stress with the process. You’ll also be guaranteed that the quality in the kitchen is consistent throughout every element and appliance. Kitchen renovation companies often include design services, which will be included in any services and cost estimates. Working with the same designer in the company can help make it easier to keep renovation plans and designs on track.
Cost for an architect
Architect fees will depend on how involved they are in the renovation project and process. They may charge an hourly fee or a percentage of the project if overseeing the entire thing. As such, budgeting carefully for an architect is important. Decide early if you need one or if your general contractor can handle the work.
Most architects charge either an hourly rate or a set percentage from the total project. As such costs can vary depending, so get a few estimates before you choose. In residential projects, architects may have a price range between $130 to $200 per hour. Keep in mind as well that no all kitchen renovations will need an architect. Only if you are taking out walls or drastically changing the layout will one be needed.
Cost for a kitchen interior designer
Kitchen designers likewise may charge a percentage of the project or a flat fee if it’s a one-time consultation. Most designers are hired to help with the entire project, but sometimes a single consultation session can be enough for kitchen renovations in Edmonton. In-house design fees for a set percentage are typically around 4% of the total renovation cost, but that will depend on the renovation company. Many interior designers can also help with creating drawings for the project.
Whoever you decide to hire, make sure they are fully qualified. Years of experience and positive reviews are a good way to get an idea of their skills and work quality. Make sure to get multiple estimates as well before settling on just one company. Once you have a match, have everything put on paper, from estimates to actual plans. That will help with accountability and prevent any miscommunication.
Cost-saving tips
There are ways to get the look of an updated kitchen without blowing your budget or spending extra. The great thing about a kitchen is that every part of it has an option to save money without sacrificing appearances.
Consider cabinet refinishing or refacing
Cabinets, for example, if they are in good condition, don’t have to be replaced. Replacing should be done if they are beyond repair or if you are extending the kitchen and tearing out the old cabinets. Instead, consider refacing or repainting them to get that fresh, new look. Refacing cabinets involves removing the hardware, doors, and drawers and applying a new look with a veneer. The physical structure and location of the cabinets stay, but the exterior is transformed.
Cabinet painting is similar but involves sanding the cabinets and stripping the old look. New paint colours or stains are then applied for a fresh appearance.
Consider the range of countertop prices
Unless you are picking a high-end countertop to suit your home chef needs, don’t feel you have to follow current trends. Countertops have a nearly endless range of options, styles, and prices to match. Marble are popular choices but have high-end costs. Quartz or wood countertops are a good alternative. Either material is durable and attractive, so they’ll last in your kitchen renovations in Edmonton for many years.
Choose quality faucets and fixtures
As far as small but mighty goes, kitchen fixtures and faucets play a big visual role. Edmonton kitchens especially are all about minimalist looks with modern, sleek designs. Hidden cabinet handles, single-handle faucets, and matte colouring are great looks. Adding colours adds a subtle focal feature around the room that does a lot to tie together the overall design and colour scheme. With faucets, focus your spending on a quality pick that will last for years. Design-wise, even average-costing choices come in a range of styles and colours for easy customization.
This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com